Alternative price indexes Because there isn't one single measure of inflation, the government and researchers use a variety of methods to get the most balanced picture of how prices fluctuate in the economy. Two of the most commonly used price indexes are the consumer price index (CPI) and the GDP deflator. The GDP deflator for this year is calculated by dividing theusingby theusingand multiplying by 100. However, the CPI reflects only the prices of all goods and services.
Indicate whether each scenario will affect the GDP deflator or the CPI for the United States.
Scenario Shows up
in the...
GDP Deflator
Index CPI
An increase in the price of a Chinese-
made phone that is popular among
U. S. consumers.
A decrease in the price of a Treewood
Equipment feller buncher, which is a
commercial forestry machine made in
the U. S. but not bought by U. S. consumers.